The Day in Beauty Vol. 16: Checking In

Connor Claire turns three months old in a few days, and seriously, that time has flown by faster than three snaps in a Z formation. I don’t know how this fast-forward button got pushed, but somewhere, somehow, it did, and now it’s almost June. YOWZA!

So. If you’re a regular here in the MBB fam, you’re probably wondering where the weekly Saturday giveaway is, seeing as how I’ve been doing it every Saturday for years.

Well…I’ve decided I need to put it on temporary hold.

Just for a bit.

With a new baby up in the mix, I need to save as much as I can right now, because man! — those diapers are expensive, guys! I hope you understand.

Anywho, if you’re still here…hi! 🙂 Hellooooooo again! *gives you a big hug* I’m happy to see you. What have you been up to lately?

Me? It’s been all about routines. Diaper changes, feedings, sterilizing bottles, feedings, washing burp cloths and blankets, feedings, bath time, feedings, play time, feedings, tummy time…and did I say feedings?

But now that Connor more or less sleeps through the night, life has been less chaotic.

Of course, I’m shaking my head as I type this, because everyone I know who has kids says that once you get settled into a routine, something will come along to shake everything up — like the start of teething, a change in feeding or sleeping habits, a runny nose from a cold — something.

So I guess it’s just a matter of time before the sh*t hits the fan again! — but at least for now I’m trying to get back into my metaphorical groove.

One of the things I’m trying to get back into the habit of doing regularly is running, and yesterday I went for my first run in a really long time. And it was really freakin’ hard.

I think the last time I went for a run was, gosh…last July. Or was it August? It was shortly after I found out that Connor had taken up temporary residency in my tum.

Anyway, it’s been a loooong time.

But yesterday I jogged three slow miles. It took me nearly 50 minutes, give or take.

Yup, that’s slow, and even though a geriatric tortoise could have outrun me, I did it! And it felt good. I’m starting to feel like my body belongs to me again.

The birth in March took a lot out of me, both physically and mentally (I had an emergency C section in the middle of the night after about 40 hours of labor). For a while there (and, truthfully, still now), I couldn’t even think about it without falling apart.

But now that I’m able to do what had been one of my favorite things to do before I got pregnant — running — I’m starting to feel more normal again.

Another thing that feels good: wearing nail polish. How silly does that sound?

But it feels great to look down at my paws and see the tips painted, even if the application was a little slapdash.

One of the “me” things that immediately fell by the wayside after having Connor was painting my nails, but I’ve started doing it again, and lately I’ve been all about this pale creamy yellow from Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel line called Lemon Heaven ($7.59 at Target). It’s a ray of sunshine in a bottle!

If you’re a new mom, a busy bee or just never seem to have enough time to paint your claws, Lemon Heaven is the schtuff! It dries in less than 15 minutes and lasts me at least seven days before it starts looking all funkytown and I have to redo it.

Well, it was nice to hang out with you. 🙂 It’s Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S., which, among other things, makes this the unofficial start of summer. I have a feeling this will be one of your best summers yet!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The Day in Beauty Vol. 16: Checking In / Originally published May 28th, 2016

Reader Interactions

Comments

Connor Claire is the most beautiful baby ever! She looks like a doll!! I’m in love! Nice job on your run!!! im very concerned though that your pulse is zero! ? on the nail polish front, its been ages since I’ve had my balls done, or polished them. I envy gals with perfect polish! Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend…I miss that weekend so much.

This phone…LOL! it’s actually been sunny and warm here today but I’m super sick! We are flying to Italy for a day tomorrow…hoping I don’t get sick on the flight! I just realized that’s it’s been a year since “finding ” you! Time flies and look…you have Connor Claire the fashion doll!

My phone hates me lately! Had to send an important email for my husband to his business guys…thought it was perfect but it said “you have all of my infections in your database.” Umm, that was supposed to say “information.” I have yet to confess! ?

I got gel polish almost two weeks ago for my vacation, but I got it taken off yesterday – it was mega grown out. I usually have bare nails, but I'm doing a photo shoot on trapeze tomorrow and am deciding if I should do a regular manicure…

No show, just for fun! I’m out of practice, but I just started a new class.

I picked up a Maybelline matte lipstick in Craving Coral – really gorgeous red coral. Haven’t done my nails, but I have a polish with microglitter in a similar shade that is my absolute favorite. Also just got a fresh haircut.

I know right?! Exercise and decent looking nails – one of the first few things to go when you’re a new mum! That and decent me-time. Hang in there and it’ll get better, promise! You and Connor look great, I’m so envious that she’s sleeping through the night (it took us 6 months to get there!)

Getting back into exercise feels so good. And it hurts so much at the same time, but in a good way.
Things here are starting to feel a little more settled as well, even though we are far away from “sleeping through the night”. But you can run on very little sleep, and the few hours I have to myself every evening are keeping me sane. I did even paint my nails again a few times already. Not (yet) regularly, but enough to feel like human again.
Lots of love to your baby girl, she looks so content and beautiful.LindaLibraLoca recently posted … My labor and delivery story

OMGosh! That close-up of Connor Claire is just too perfect! She is so adorable. She definitely has her momma’s good looks! Congrats on the run. It is so hard to get back into the swing of things fitness wise. I started working with a trainer at the beginning of December and I still feel like I have so much more work to do.
Sterilizing bottles? Do they still make you do that? My pediatrician told me the dishwasher was fine. Her words were, “You don’t sterilize your breast before breast feeding, so why sterilize bottles?” Made sense at the time.
We always felt that things went in 6 month cycles with our daughter. We’d struggle with some new issue, get it worked out and things would be going smoothly and then they’d swing the other way. Since they’re growing up so fast, it seems like there was always some new and different challenge to figure out.
If you ever need someone to hash it all out with, drop me an email and we can share more info. If you like.

First off, CONNOR CLAIRE!! The bow. Your mani. Your mini me. This just screams “summer breeze makes me feel fine!” Lovely, lovely pic. Love whenever she makes an appearance. I need more polish like I need a hole in my head. But that won’t stop me from picking up this color. I don’t have any yellows in my stash & it can be sooo hard finding a yellow with a great formula. Nice to know this one dries quickly & looks lovely. And of course we understand about the gift card! I’m shocked you purchased them yourself. I think I just assumed Sephora gifted them to you. If you’re never able to bring back that series, that’s totes ok. And if you’re able to write a post on Saturday, even better. Enjoy the holiday weekend with your mini me & cute mani 🙂

Aww, thanks for remembering, friend. I haven’t gotten it yet because I have a major car repair to take care of (boooo!). But I did stop by the shop where I’d like to have it done, met the guy whose gonna do it, & got a price quote. Once I get my beloved “Tonka truck” ,aka Honda CRV, gets back on the road, your’s truly is gonna get inked ?

I’m very happy for you Karen! Here I’ve been bumming around my workouts because of knee issues since Feb, and there you are running 3 miles like a boss. I think I need to kick it in gear like you! <3 Connor Claire is going to have a beautiful summer and I'm sure you will too! And that color on your nails is very cheerful, love it!

I always use the giveaway posts as my little diary entries of the week funnily enough so. 🙂 Totally understand about the nails, when Colin was a baby he took 30 minute naps and had an 11pm bedtime until about 7 months. Not sure how I didn’t lose my mind, haha but there was never time for nails! Erik is anything but consistent so we’re trying to fix his overnight sleep currently. He falls asleep independently (the big hurdle) but still is waking a lot overnight at 5 months but sometimes will sleep 8-11 hours straight so we know he can do it. Seems to be part habit, part distracted eating during the day so he needs to eat at night to get his calories in. Ahh baby sleep. What a hot mess. Hope you have a great weekend Karen!Nicole – paleandfreckled recently posted … Review, Demo and Alternatives – Pat McGrath Skin Fetish 003 in Nude and Golden

You have a beautiful baby, and you look so fit as a mom, yes diaper will cost a lots. I remember about that years ago, but enjoy it while it still last. Next time you wake up the baby will grow so fast. Congrats once again

It was so nice to read this lovely post from you today and see the beautiful pictures of you and your lovely baby girl! You look absolutely radiant and what a doll she is indeed! I was surprised that you continued with the weekly giveaways, you have more important things to concern yourself with now. Take Care and have a lovely weekend. Glad to know you have found a little time to put on nail polish again. What a simple pleasure that is.

It must feel so good to start running again! Connor Claire is growing so fast, she looks more and more like a little girl rather than a tiny teeny newborn. I’m glad you’re finding more time for some “me” stuff, it’s so important!
My sis’-in-law’s due date was yesterday, everyone is anxiously waiting for something to happen. I’m crossing my fingers for an easy birth for her!Lulle recently posted … #FrenchFriday : what to buy at Lancome’s Friends & Family Sale? My top 6 picks!

Karen, I just wanted to say thank you for consistently providing a little ray of sunshine when I read your blog (been reading it since 2009 or thereabouts), and I’m so glad you got your wish in the form of adorable little Connor Claire.

So wonderful to see both of you!! You both look radiant! I cannot believe that the little princess is almost three months old. It just doesn’t seem possible. She is absolutely adorable Karen. I know you must just be the proudest Mom in the whole universe!

Happy Memorial Weekend to you all, love the mani – and totally know what you mean about loving having them done. It’s the little things.

Congrats on your run, I know it took a great deal of motivation…. I wish I could run. Who cares how long it took, right? YOU TOTALLY DID IT! May your family continue to be blessed,
In Grace and Peace,
Gina and Gracie.

Hi Karen — I just discovered your blog approx 15 minutes ago. I purchased a couple of Butter London Lippy Tinted Balms the other day (cost $6/each. Regular price $20/each. Oh yeah, savings!) so of course since I had already purchased them I had to see what the Interwebz said about them and found your review.

So…being brand new just wanted to throw my 2 cents in and say I’m glad I found you. I completely relate to going for a run & painting your nails. From Feb-May I was in the hospital for all but 30 days and have done the “getting-me-back” activities as well. My current obsession with all things make-up is a big part of that.

Looking forward to reading more of your blog as you are an excellent writer. And Lauren’s auto correct SNAFU is one of the best things I’ve ever seen.

Connor Claire looks just adorable and you are looking so happy Karen!! I’m glad you’ve gotten back into running, it’s so important to have that time just for you as a Mum, so take your time and enjoy!!
My youngest Nina has just just finished high school, we’re now looking forward to college life. Their lives flash by so fast so relish every single moment.

You look great, Karen! I’m so glad things are getting a bit back to normal for you. I’m impressed that you’re already back to running. Connor Claire is so cute! I love her dress. You have the cutest outfits for her.

I’d much rather (MUCH rather!) see a post with baby pics and a sweet update than a giveaway. No competition at all!!!! Or nothing on Saturday, knowing you are taking the weekend to be with your hubs and lil’ punkin princess. 🙂 You work hard on the blog throughout the week, paint those paws in peace on Saturday! 🙂

Hi Karen! You and Connor look so good! I’m glad you are learning to take care of what matters most (Connor and your sanity). Yes, motherhood changes everything, and you’ll be adjusting your views on what is important and what is not so important (Diapers=So important). So glad to know you are doing well though!

Connor Claire is adorable, and I’m not sure if I ever posted a comment to congratulate you, but if I didn’t here it is! Congratulations, Karen. She’s a sweetheart and you look so happy, and that’s what matters! As for the giveaway, I’m sure everyone understands. If they don’t, well, they don’t appreciate what MBB is really about! Happy holidays 🙂Paris B recently posted … Navigate the lipstick jungle : 5 creamy lipsticks worth splurging on

Karen!
omg you look fantastic and so does Connor Claire~ Thanks for sharing your weekend with us. You are throwing me back to my baby girl’s early days. I remember what she looked like before she got her true coloring, it was similar to this. I had never seen a baby quite like her(my husband is Filipino, but for some reason our first baby got my coloring). Her skin was pale but with pretty pink undertones and her eyes went kaleidoscope, changing to every color under the rainbow until they got their amber color and her skin turned soft caramel brown. This took about a year and a half!!!! It is SO fun to watch all the changes, day by day. Your nails look fabuloso- I love this buttery yellow, reminds me of Dior Sunwashed. Cheers to you getting your groove back!

Miss Conner Claire is truly a natural in front of the camera! 3 months already!?!? She just keeps getting more beautiful! Congrats on your run and you look amazing!! hope you guys had a wonderful holiday weekend! 🙂

You look so great Karen! Motherhood looks really nice on you. And it’s great to see Conner Claire. She’s so, so cute. Before you know it, she’ll be crawling! It’s nice to see that you’re getting back into things you enjoy! Hope you had a great holiday weekend!

Hi Karen! Just wanted to pop by and say “thanks” for introducing us to so many wonderful beauty bloggers over the past few months. I love the direction the blog has taken with multiple contributors, but I can’t wait until your posts return with frequency. Hope you are enjoying your time with your new babes! She is adorable.